After the success of their latest 'Mech designs, the leaders of the St. Ives Compact Military were eager to bring newer and lighter designs into their noticeably heavy arsenal. In an effort to create a 'Mech that would be popular with pilots, Commander Caroline Seng brought together her regimental commanders and an engineering team to agree on basic specs for the new machine. Initially, the design team called for the fastest recon 'Mech that Ceres Metals Industries could build. After some deliberation, however, they settled for a moderately fast recon unit with significant firepower.

Caroline Seng tried to end the influx of conflicting requirements by officially contracting with Ceres for a 'Mech based on the first redesign, the well-armed recon unit. Even as the first 'Mechs began to enter service, however, whole new sets of requirements continued to flood Ceres’ offices on Warlock.

The Cossack is a relatively inexpensive design intended to fill a number of roles in the expanding roster of the St. Ives Compact Military. Even with the expense of its extralight power plant, the design is still extremely affordable. As a scout, the Cossack performs only adequately. Its Pitban LFT-65 jump jets allow it to quickly pass over rough terrain, but a top speed of just under 100 kph leaves it too slow to escape many of the leading enemy scout elements it will face. Likewise, its armor is not sufficient to protect it while making a fighting retreat.

The Cossack’s true destiny may lie in the Home Guard units scattered across the St. Ives Compact. It costs little more than most other light 'Mechs, making it an ideal choice for the limited budgets of militia units. While the Cossack cannot hope to stand alone against most of the 'Mechs it might face in combat, 2 lances of Cossacks can produce a rain of fire that few MechWarriors would wish to weather.

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